Hand to the Plow

Daily Scripture readings for December, set #11:

- 1 Chronicles, chapters 26-28
- Psalm 136
- Luke 9:37-50
- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

“And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought” (1Chron 28:9). The word “for” in the middle of this verse signifies that the first half relies on and is built on the second half. Paraphrase: “Serve the Lord because he knows everything, even your heart.”

Chris Tomlin’s prominent worship song “Forever” is based on this Psalm. I smile every when I read it because when my oldest daughter Betty was very young we would use this Psalm for family devotions. She knew the tune and would respond to each line by singing the “love endures forever” line. On a different note, she is old enough now where I might need to explain to her how the call and response of verse 10 are compatible, because on the surface they sure don’t seem to be: “To him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures forever.”

“Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.’ But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it” (Lk 9:43-45). Notice that Jesus both commands the disciples to hear his words, yet allows the words to be concealed so that they cannot understand.

“So we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts” (1Thess 2:4). This correlates nicely to today’s 1 Chronicles note. Are the phrases “tests our hearts” and “searches all hearts” related in their meaning? The logic in the two verses is definitely similar.

Daily Scripture readings for December, set #12:

- 1 Chronicles 29
- Psalm 137
- Luke 9:51-62
- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-20

1 Chronicles 29 contains a slew of wisdom regarding giving. Verse 3: “I have a treasure of my own of gold and silver, and because of my devotion to the house of my God I give it to the house of my God.”  Verse 9: “Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord.”  Verse 16: “O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own.”

Psalm 137:9 is a tough one. Maybe the logic in Psalm 136:10 (yesterday’s reading) is a little difficult to track with, but 137:9 is another lever. Here’s a helpful paragraph on this verse that Google pulled up for me: “The Psalmist is in exile and had probably witnessed the atrocities committed against his people, babies included. In the revenge-style that was so common at the time, he wishes the same upon his enemy as a description of their utter destruction. Nowhere does it say that God approves of the Psalmist’s request or that he fulfilled it. Just because it is recorded that the Psalmist wrote the imprecation, doesn’t mean it was approved by God.”

“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Lk 9:62). It’s interesting to me that the “hand to the plow” metaphor is what Jesus uses to describe following him. He could have instead mentioned putting faith in him, or confessing one’s sins, or any of the other common Christian themes. Instead Jesus chose “hand to the plow” as the  embodiment of the Christian journey that one must not look back from.

Paul’s view of the authority of Scripture and the Gospel: “When you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers” (1Thess 2:13).

Who Incites David, Satan or God?

Daily Scripture readings for December, set #9:

- 1 Chronicles, chapters 20-22
- Psalm, chapters 133-134
- Luke 9:18-27
- Colossians 4:10-18

Much of 1 Chronicles parallels 2 Samuel. 1 Chron 21:1 is significant for this reason, because of the variant between that and 2 Sam 24:1. Notice where the tempting comes from in each verse… who it is that “incites” David.

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!” (Ps 133:1-2). Obviously unity is a great thing to be strived for, but I’m not sure I understand this metaphor.

The empty pursuit of the what the world offers is equated with losing one’s self: “For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” (Lk 9:25). Implication: the pursuit of Christ and the Kingdom is equated with gaining one’s very self.

“And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea” (Col 4:16). Paul knew that his letter would be read to multiple churches and communities of faith. He wrote with this intention.

Daily Scripture readings for December, set #10:

- 1 Chronicles, chapters 23-25
- Psalm 135
- Luke 9:28-36
- 1 Thessalonians 1

“And they were to stand every morning, thanking and praising the Lord, and likewise at evening” (1Chron 23:30). David, in arranging workers for the temple, appointed men whose only other job besides mixing the bread was to stand and give thanks to the Lord, both day and night.

Is the description of God’s sovereignty in Psalm 135:6 merely a reference to the absence of anyone who could oppose the Lord or stop him from doing what he pleases? Could it not also be a reverse definition of righteousness? In other words, compare Psalm 135:6 to Psalm 119:68.

“And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said” (Lk 9:33). The phrase “not knowing what he said,” describing Peter’s tents comment, is curious to me. Was he unaware of the implications or consequences of what he said, or was he in zombie mode? What is the purpose of this phrase?

“For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” (1Thess 1:4-5). The Thessalonians being convinced by Paul’s gospel was not the reason or merit for their having been chosen, but rather the EVIDENCE for their having been chosen.

The Biblical Mandate for Excellence

Daily Scripture readings for December, set #7:

- 1 Chronicles, chapters 15-16
- Psalm, chapters 130-131
- Luke 8:40-56
- Colossians 3:18-25

So, I’m a drummer. I have cymbals. They are made of bronze. I forget how OLD that instrument is! “The singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were to sound bronze cymbals” (1Chron 15:19). I wonder if anybody complained to Heman/Asaph/Ethan that their cymbals were too loud for worship.

Again, the theme of “fearing” the Lord, and it’s many variations: “But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared” (Ps 130:4). One who offers forgiveness is not “feared” in the same sense that one fears a predator or enemy, yet this verse directly links the forgiveness and the fearing.

“Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well” (Lk 8:50). Is this an if-then statement from Jesus?

Striving for excellence in everything: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Col 3:23). WHATEVER you do…

Daily Scripture readings for December, set #8:

- 1 Chronicles, chapters 17-19
- Psalm 132
- Luke 9:1-17
- Colossians 4:1-9

“When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever” (1Chron 17:11-12). These verses are clearly about Solomon, but are they also Messianic?

There is a direct link between verses 10 and 11 in Psalm 132. “For the sake of your servant David, do not turn away the face of your anointed one. The Lord swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back: ‘One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne.’” The Psalmist asks God to not turn his face away, and reminds him of his oath to David. It is Biblical to hold God to his oaths.

“And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal” (Lk 9:1-2). Jesus freely gives the power/authority to heal, but not to everyone. Only to the Twelve. And one of the Twelve was a devil.

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Col 4:5-6). People of God who are reading this, please listen to me right now. I have one word in commentary on these verses: FACEBOOK.

Kids vs Debt

Daily Scripture readings for December, set #5:

- 1 Chronicles, chapters 10-11
- Psalm 128
- Luke 8:16-25
- Colossians 2:16-23

I’ve got a ton of big questions in my life right now… things that I need guidance for. This verse is really sobering all of sudden: “He (Saul)did not seek guidance from the Lord. Therefore the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse” (1Chron 10:14).

Psalm 128 is obviously a description of how good it is to fear/serve the Lord. But in reading just now I notice especially that the description of “good” includes many kids and therefore grandkids as well (vs 3, vs 6). This gives me pause in my “family planning” and the “ideal number of kids” I’ve always pictured. I had a close friend and mentor once tell me this: “In the Bible, kids are a blessing and debt is a curse. We have it backwards in America.”

Lots of popular one-liners are found in Luke 8:16-25, but what stands out to me today is verse 17: “For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.” I would be so bold as to say that the MAIN and PRIMARY tool in my own failure to resist temptation is the cloak of secrecy. Turns out, it is only a mirage.

The latter half of Colossians 2 is a section of Scripture that I reference often in both my thinking and my conversation. Especially verse 23: “These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.” Implication: Victory over sin is not found merely in rules that you make for yourself.

Daily Scripture readings for December, set #6:

- 1 Chronicles, chapters 12-14
- Psalm 129
- Luke 8:26-39
- Colossians 3:1-17

Again, regarding guidance, seeking the Lord: “And David inquired of God, ‘Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?’ And the Lord said to him, ‘Go up, and I will give them into your hand’” (1 Chron 14:10).

Notice that both things are true… affliction, but not ultimate defeat: “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me” (Ps 129:2).

The task of the Christian: “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you” (Luke 8:39).

“In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth” (Col 3:7-8). You used to be a certain way, and you must be that way no longer. The details on this are different for everyone.

Plausible Arguments

Daily Scripture readings for December, set #3:

- 1 Chronicles, chapters 5-6
- Psalm 126
- Luke 7:36-50
- Colossians 2:1-7

I know I’ve mentioned war and pacifism before, but I will again point it out in 1 Chronicles 5: “For many fell, because the war was of God.” (vs 22). Perhaps one could make a case in the modern day that “God is a pacifist,” but clearly God was not ALWAYS a pacifist. Any discussion about war/pacifism should include that observation.

“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them’” (Ps 126:2). There’s a connection here, between the front and back halves of this verse. The nations acknowledge what the Lord has done for his people because his people shout with joy about it.

Jesus says outright that it is the FAITH of the sinful woman (mentioned at the end of Luke 7) that saves her. But faith isn’t the only thing she demonstrates in this text. “And standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment” (Lk 7:38).

“I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments” (Col 2:4). Paul knows that the danger of being deluded lies in the plausibility of the arguments. He doesn’t need to steer the Colossians away from ridiculous arguments. Implication: Arguments that are in fact false may still seem plausible.

Daily Scripture readings for December, set #4:

- 1 Chronicles, chapters 7-9
- Psalm 127
- Luke 8:1-15
- Colossians 2:8-15

1 Chronicles continues it’s thrill ride through Israel’s lineage, although I was struck just now with how insignificant man is: “Mattithiah, one of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with making the flat cakes” (1Chron 9:31). This is Mattithiah’s only mention in Scripture: dude makes flat cakes. And there are precious few people in the history of the world that are specifically mentioned in Scripture. Sometimes I’m tempted to think that I’m a big deal. I’m not. Even Mattithiah and his flat cakes are a bigger deal than I am.

Psalm 127:1 is one of my favorite verses in the entire Bible. “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” Stop and think about the implications of this truth.

I often relate to unbelievers as if they will either hear the Word and respond positively, or hear the Word and respond negatively. There are two categories there. Jesus, on the other hand, identifies FOUR categories of responses to hearing the word, with only one of the four being positive. “The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience” (Luke 8:12-15).

More direct and undiluted Gospel from Colossians: “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” (2:13-15).

1 Chronicles, Chapters 1-4… SO INTENSE

Daily Scripture readings for December, set #1:

- 1 Chronicles, chapters 1-2
- Psalm, chapters 123-124
- Luke 7:11-17
- Colossians 1:1-14

The first two chapters of 1 Chronicles contain the lineage of Israel up until just prior to King David. There are also some additional lineages of the people groups surrounding Israel. Riveting.

The Lord is the ONLY one who can save. “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive” (Ps 124:2-3).

While it is true that Jesus’ miracles were intended to validate his Messiahship and prove his divinity (Mark 2), a secondary “reason” for Jesus’ acts of healing clearly stems from his love for the people. “As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her” (Lk 7:12-13).

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son” (Col 1:13). This is a significant aspect of what it means to be a Christian. It is very similar to the founding fathers in America, who began as citizens of Britain. However, their citizenship changed after the Declaration of Independence and the winning of the Revolutionary War. They lived in America during that period, both before their freedom and after, so it’s not as if their surroundings changed. What changed was their status, their identity. A Christian, through faith in Christ and because of Christ’s sacrifice, is “delivered” from the natural human identity of slavery to sin, and “transferred” to the identity of Jesus. It is God himself who makes this transfer for us.

Daily Scripture readings for December, set #2:

- 1 Chronicles, chapters 3-4
- Psalm 125
- Luke 7:18-35
- Colossians 1:15-29

1 Chronicles 3-4 contains more of Israel’s lineage. Still riveting. But then, in the middle of the listing of descendants, is this statement about a random character named Jabez: “Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!’ And God granted what he asked” (1Chron 4:10). I referred to Jabez as a “random character” because he appears out of nowhere, and I can’t tell where he fits in the lineage (somebody help me out here if you know more about this). Anyway, Jabez has a bad rap  these days because of a late-90′s book about him called “The Prayer of Jabez,” which was railed on as a prosperity gospel advocate. I suppose Jabez’s prayer could be misinterpreted as a prosperity gospel issue, but as it’s recorded here in Chronicles it’s legit. Jabez simply asks God for a blessing, and God grants his request. Nothing wrong with that, right?

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever” (Ps 125:1). Mount Zion abides FOREVER. As in, “New Heavens and New Earth” forever?

“I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he” (Luke 7:28). I heard a sermon once that explained this verse in tandem with John 1:6-8 in describing John as the first evangelist, the first TRUE Christian, a true Christian being one who proclaims and points toward Christ. This is why John is both greatest among those born of women (first evangelist) but also on par with everyone in the Kingdom (the Kingdom’s purpose is to proclaim Christ). Makes sense to me.

The flow of thought in Colossians 1:15-23 is such a powerful and comprehensive presentation of the Gospel. The Gospel revolves around not us but Christ, who not only created and sustains the world (vs 16-17), but also purchased our redemption (vs 18-20). Meanwhile we were simply rebellious, contributing nothing to our own salvation (vs 21), but Christ bought us nonetheless so that we might be his spotless possession (vs 22). This salvation is ours through faith, which Paul intends to preach in every corner of the world (vs 23).

A Couple Words Regarding the Year-Long Bible Readings…

Those of you following along with my year-long Scripture readings/notes may have noticed that I’m a firm 2 months behind. So… yep.

I had a bunch of holiday tours in December and a few prep-heavy gigs in January. Cliche linea alert: It’s not an excuse but it is a reason. Anyway, that stuff of course hasn’t stopped me from reading, but it has stopped me from writing my comments in blog form.

I just posted the last 3 readings from November and I’ll start in with December soon. Bear with me. I’m still planning on ending by June, which in actuality will need to be mid-May because I’m doing a tour in Poland at the close of May and into June, with unpredictable wifi. We will see if I pull this off or not.

Out of the Abundance of the Intellect the Mouth Speaks

Daily Scripture readings for November, set #23:

- 2 Kings, chapters 20-21
- Psalm 120
- Luke 6:37-42
- Phil 4:1-7

I took a few courses in college from well-known author and pastor Greg Boyd. He holds some theological positions that differ significantly from most of the other authors I’ve read. However, in his open theism treatise God Of The Possible, he puts forward a very compelling argument for God’s interaction with humanity as a basis for God’s decision-making. Boyd’s thesis is basically this: If God wanted to tell us that he in fact DOES base some of his decisions on his interactions with us, how could he be MORE CLEAR about that than in passages such as 2 Kings 20:5-6? “I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord, and I will add fifteen years to your life.” Add fifteen years to your life? Add to what?

Psalm 120 begins a fifteen chapter series of “Songs of Ascent.” If you, like me, aren’t sure what that means or whether it is significant, a lengthy (and somewhat boring… can I say that?) article on  it can be found here.

Luke 6, verse 42: “How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.” Implication: One CAN be successful in removing the log out of one’s eye. One then has permission, and is even equipped, to help others.

The “peace of God” is not only meant to give us peace, but also to GUARD us. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7).

Daily Scripture readings for November, set #24:

- 2 Kings, chapters 22-23
- Psalm 121
- Luke 6:43-49
- Phil 4:8-13

The young king Josiah understands the nature of Israel’s trouble. “For great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us” (2Kings 22:13). Josiah does not try to justify himself or argue his case before the Lord, he simply acknowledges that God’s wrath is upon him and the rest of Judah.

A promise to the one who trusts in the Lord: “The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life” (Ps 121:7). BUT… bad things will still happen to you, not to mention that you will eventually die. The Lord just doesn’t see those things as “evil.”

“For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Lk 6:45). Notice that this verse does NOT say that speech comes from the abundance of the vocabulary, or confidence, or even intellect. Just from the heart.

Not the typical American Christian prayer: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil 4:11-13).

Daily Scripture readings for November, set #25:

- 2 Kings, chapters 24-25
- Psalm 122
- Luke 7:1-10
- Phil 4:14-23

“And theLord sent against him bands of the Chaldeans and bands of the Syrians and bands of the Moabites and bands of the Ammonites, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by his servants the prophets” (2Kings 24:2). Those who destroyed Judah were SENT by the Lord for that very purpose.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!” (Ps 122:6). Is this call applicable for present day Jerusalem? Probably not.

It’s interesting to me that the Jewish leaders tell Jesus that the centurion in Luke 7 is “worthy” of Jesus’ healing his son, but the centurion himself states that he is unworthy of having Jesus even enter his house. “When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof” (Lk 7:6).

Philippians 4:13 is, in my mind, one of the heaviest and most powerful texts on giving/tithing or whatever you want to call it. Paul, in encouraging the Philippian church to continue their giving to him, says this: “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek ithe fruit that increases to your credit.” He is telling them that it’s not where his provision will come from that worries him, but rather whether they will gain the fruit that comes to them through giving. There is something that the Philippians will gain through giving, and Paul wants them to have this gain.

The Two Levels of Reality

Daily Scripture readings for November, set #21:

- 2 Kings 16-17
- Psalm 119:161-168
- Luke 6:17-26
- Philippians 3:10-14

I have observed in my life that there are always two levels on which to explain reality or an event in reality, the human level and the spiritual level. For example, the fall of Israel occurs, on the human level, due to political developments between Israel, Egypt and Assyria. However, 2Kings 17:7 clearly states that, on the spiritual level, the fall of Israel was God’s doing: “And this occurred because the people of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt.”

Is there anything to be desired in this life more than peace? “Great peace have those who love your law, nothing can make them stumble” (Ps 119:165)

Jesus’ advice on what to do when you are bullied or and mistreated because of your love for him: “Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven” (Lk 6:23).

Paul’s motivation for pressing on toward perfection is the reality that Christ has already purchased his faith, rather than a trust in the pressing on itself. “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own” (Phil 3:12).

Daily Scripture readings for November, set #22:

- 2 Kings 18-19
- Psalm 119:169-176
- Luke 6:27-36
- Philippians 3:15-21

Again, regarding natural causes vs ultimate causes, notice what the Lord says about the king of Assyria, who is setting himself against Judah in battle: “Have you not heard that I determined it long ago? I planned from days of old what now I bring to pass, that you should turn fortified cities into heaps of ruins” (2Kings 19:25). God is talking about Israel’s enemies here, saying that he predetermined that they would be successful in battles and grow in power. If an adversary is strong, it is because God has made them so.

The longest Psalm in the Bible closes with the Psalmist confessing his own shortcoming, and asking for mercy: “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments” (Ps 119:176).

“Be merciful, even as your father is merciful” (Lk 6:36). It is important to remember that our motivation for kindness toward others should be the Lord’s kindness toward us. Jesus also says that God is “kind to the ungrateful and the evil” (vs 35)… that’s us, all of us.

I love Paul’s boldness at the end of Philippians chapter 3: “Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you” (vs 15). Did Paul really just say that anyone who is mature will agree with him, but if they don’t then someday God will correct their thinking? Hilarious.

My Interests vs Christ’s Interests

Daily Scripture readings for November, set #19:

- 2 Kings, chapters 12-13
- Psalm 119:145-152
- Luke 5:33-39
- Philippians 2:19-30

2 Kings 13:23 is an encouraging reminder of the Lord’s faithfulness to his promises… BUT… I want to comment on a couple other things in today’s 2 Kings chapters, things I’m not totally clear on. First off, did the young king Joash have a name change mid-story? In chapter 11 he’s “Joash,” and in chapter 12 he’s “Jehoash.” Also, were there TWO Jehoash’s? “In the thirty-seventh year of Joash king of Judah, Jehoash the son of Jehoaz began to reign in Israel in Samaria, and he reigned sixteen years” (13:10). It appears that one was king over Jerusalem (Judah) and one was king over Israel (Samaria). It’s not the same Joash/Jehoash in both kingdom’s, right?

“I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words. My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise” (Ps 119:147-148). I once had a guy tell me that these verses were proof texts that we should all have our daily devotions before the sun comes up. I’m not gonna lie… that feels like a stretch, exegetically.

Jesus’ “old vs new wineskins” parable in Luke 5 is probably familiar to you, but here’s a good explanation of it’s meaning if you, like me, have never really understood it. On another note, Jesus is right that “no one after drinking old wine desires new,” but in the case of most conservative evangelicals, the reason is not that “old wine is good” but rather that they don’t think they’re allowed to drink wine at all.

I mentioned in my comments on the previous Philippians reading that God’s pleasure and our pleasure are not mutually exclusive. Paul again mentions this issue in Phil 2:21, though he himself seems to disagree with my statement: “They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” Are the two interests (my own and Christ’s) mutually exclusive, or can they be compatible somehow?

Daily Scripture readings for November, set #20:

- 2 Kings, chapters 14-15
- Psalm 119:153-160
- Luke 6:1-16
- Philippians 3:1-9

“And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord… nevertheless, the high places were not removed” (2 Kings 15:34-35). I’m amazed at how often this story is showing up in 2 Kings. Either the kings do evil in the sight of the Lord, or they do what’s right… but not quite all the way. The instinct let some good in one’s actions justify the overlooking of some bad in one’s actions is a strong instinct.

Psalm 119:153-160 seem pretty scattered and randomly connected, but this phrase stands out to me: “The sum of your word is truth” (vs 160).

“But he knew their thoughts…” (Luke 6:8). What a helpful reminder, both in resisting temptation and in my daily prayer life and communion with God. Nothing that I do, say, or even THINK is hidden from the Lord.

Springboarding off of my Philippians 2 comments, consider Paul’s words in Philippians 3, verse 8: “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” I think this is the key to interpreting Paul’s “conflicting interests” statement in 2:21. Christ is the TRUE joy, and when I seek his interests I am also seeking my own best interests. Christ’s interests might not match my flesh’s interests, but my flesh is not to be trusted anyway (cf Rom 8:7-8).